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Tidworth was listed in the Domesday Book as Todeorde, in the Andover Hundred, in "Hantscire". It was once the family home of the Studd family. On John Speed's maps (1611), the town is referred to as Tudworth, North Tudworth belonging to Amesbury hundred in "Wilshire", and South Tudworth to Andover hundred in "Hamshire". When the boundary between Wiltshire and Hampshire was redrawn in 1992, the old distinction between North Tidworth and South Tidworth vanished, and the entire town became part of Wiltshire. The two parts remained as separate civil parishes until 1 April 2004.

In recent years the population of the town has increased as Tidworth Camp has expanded. The population of Tidworth will continue to increase with the implementation of the Army Basing Plan leading up to 2020.

Its situation near the A303, and hence the M3, places Tidworth within commuting distance of London.

Tidworth has a small commercial area containing two supermarkets (a Lidl and a large Tesco), two veterinary surgeries, a pharmacy, and other shops and services including a 900mobile phone shop. A dental surgery serves Tidworth and the surrounding area, covering approximately 5,000 people. In 2003 a new medical centre was completed, the cost being split between the Ministry of Defence and the NHS, as it serves the armed forces and their dependants within the surrounding area.

Tidworth has one of the lowest crime rates per thousand in Wiltshire, and between the years of 1990 and 2004 only one major crime took place.[3] In 2014, it was rated by the Royal Mail as the most attractive postcode area to live in in England.[4]

Tidworth Polo Club is the second largest in the country and frequently plays host to royals such as Princes William and Harry.

Tidworth Garrison Golf Club was constructed in 1904 initially for use by army officers. It was established in 1908 and gradually made available to all ranks and civilians. In 2000 it became a limited company.[13]